Hazel the hippo lives at the zoo in a lovely pool for two. Shes excited to be getting a new roommate, but shes worried about her appearance. Hazels skin is gray; she has a short tail and short legs; her mouth is big; and she doesnt have much hair. She doesnt have feathers or stripes or dots or sharp teeth.

She wants to cry. What will her roommate think of her? Hazel feels sad because all of the other animals are happy in their own coat of skin. Hazels friend, Bird, comforts the hippo. He tells her that she is perfect just the way she isfrom her sweet little ears to the bottom of her toes.

A rhyming picture book for children Hazel the Hippo delivers the important message that all kids and adults are perfect just the way they are.